Learn how to network your way to success with this powerpoint.

1. Networking 101
Torrey Trust
Academic Peer
Graduate Division
UC Santa Barbara

2. Connect
Attend conferences, presentations, workshops, and
events where you can meet people in your field of
interest
Mix and mingle with numerous people
Have a 30-second elevator speech prepared about
yourself, but focus most of your time on listening to
the individuals you meet
Find a common ground

3. Finding Common Ground
This means finding something you two share in
common (i.e., you both attended the same undergraduate
university)
To find a common ground, ask questions – that is
the best way to get to know a person
If you can’t think of anything to ask, start with the basics
(“What brought you to this event? Where did you hear about
it? What is your degree program?”)
If the individual has something personal that stands out (a
picture of Hawaii, a NHL hat, or turtle earrings), ask the
person questions about that item

4. Exchange
Be prepared - bring business cards to every event you
attend
Collect and share contact information with the
individuals you meet
LinkedIn invite, Facebook friend, business card
If you get a business card, take a moment to write 1-2
sentences about the individual (especially if you
found something in common) on the back of the
business card to help you remember them

5. Sustain
Follow-up with the individuals you met within 1-2 days
Send a quick email
Hello _____,
I hope your daughter’s soccer game went well
(common ground)
It was great meeting you at ____ event. Here is my
contact information. I look forward to keeping in
touch. Feel free to contact me anytime.

6. Sustain
Sustaining a relationship is an important way to
stay connected with the individuals in your network
Building a network is not about collecting business
cards and having 1,000+ LinkedIn connections
You need to maintain your relationships with
individuals over time so when the time comes
where you need to ask for help or job advice,
they are more willing to help you.

7. Sustain
Every so often, send a message to your contacts
with a quick “hello” note
If you find a news article or website that one of
your contacts might be interested in, share it in a
short e-mail (every e-mail you send does not have
to be about business)